Issued by the Institute for Learning & Motivation – South Africa (ILM-SA)

21 October 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Poet who survived abusive marriage inspires others to use poetry as a form of therapyIt was writing poetry which gave emerging poet Bilkis Moola the courage to emerge from the shell into which she had withdrawn after an abusive marriage.Now the author of the soon to be launched anthology of poems Wounds and Wings (Breeze Publishing: 2013) hopes to inspire other women to do the same.Moola conceptualised the idea for a one day workshop entitled Poetry as Therapy which will take place in Durban on 9th November.Organised by the Institute for Learning and Motivation – South Africa (ILM-SA) the workshop has been designed by Moola to “create a non-threatening environment where people are invited to share feelings openly and honestly for the cultivation of well-being, the exploration of possibility and the development of personal potential.”Moola – an educator who holds a Bachelors of Arts, majoring in English and Philosophy - says that whilst the workshop is directed at people of any demographic it will be particularly beneficial for women who have survived abuse and violence. “Males and females who have an interest in classic and contemporary poetry or are students, educators or therapists will be enriched by this workshop as it provides an extension to the rendition and appreciation of poetry through the scope for therapy,” she added.According to Moola the interactive process of the workshop will allow the individual to develop on an emotional, cognitive and social level. “An assessment of the person’s reaction to the selected literature will clarify their psychological health and well-being,” she explained. “ Every individual at this workshop will experience the healing power of poetry and poetry therapy.”Moola’s debut collection of poetry Wounds and Wings which charts the transformation of a wounded woman as she heals and begins to find her wings will be launched in Durban at La Bella restaurant (upstairs section) on the corner of Essenwood (Stephen Dlamini) and St Thomas Roads, at 7.00pm on Friday, the 8th of November 2013.The Poetry as Therapy workshop will take place in Sherwood on Saturday the 9th of November from 9am to 5pm. There is a nominal registration fee of R200 (including a manual, lunch and tea) attached to attending the workshop; whilst entry to the launch is free.For more information about the book launch or registering for the workshop, contact ILM-SA at info@ilmsa.co.za or on 083 271 4500. For more information about purchasing Wounds and Wings contact Naseema Mall at naseema.mall@gmail.com or on 079 107 9930.ENDS

Monday, 14 October 2013

WHEN AND WHEREDATE: Saturday, 9th November 2013TIME: 9am to 5pmVENUE: IMA Baytul-Nur seminar room, Browns Grove, SherwoodCOST: R200 including lunch, tea, coffee and confectionaries as well as a manualSponsorships are available for individuals who cannot afford the workshop fee.HOW TO REGISTER:Simply send your name and surname, email address, cell number and meal preference (chicken or veg) to info@ilmsa.co.za OR SMS/WHATSAPP these details to 083 271 4500. Please indicate clearly that you want to register for the POETRY AS THERAPY workshop. ILM-SA will then send you payment details. Payment has to be made within two days of registering. The venue accommodates 80 delegates, and registration will close once these seats are paid for, or on Thursday the 7th of November.ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:Bilkis Moola has been a professional educator for 14 years and has served an HoD position since January 2012. Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts with Majors in English and Philosophy. She also holds an Advanced Certificate in Education (English) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. She is presently completing a B. Ed (Hons) in Education Law and Management. Her experiences at various schools (State, Private & Overseas: UK, London 2003-2004) and teaching across the curriculum at both primary and secondary levels have equipped her with sufficient knowledge and skills to deliver educational content. Her critical appreciation of poetry in addition to her writing of poetry has cultivated her ability to convey aspects of this with the intent to cultivateskills in the writing of poetry. Bilkis Moolla is the author of 'Wounds and Wings' an anthology of poetry which will be launched by ILM-SA in Durban on November 8th.

HOW WILL THIS WORKSHOP BE CONDUCTED?The workshop will be conducted through a visual presentation. Participants will work through a prepared manual as the facilitator encourages their responses through individual and group activities. Supplementary aides will be a selection of poems and resources to stimulate sensory reaction for description and evocation of emotion, for e.g. the use of objects for brainstorm sessions: perfume, fruit, leaves, flowers as well as a variety of scenic photographs.WHAT WILL YOU GAIN FROM THIS WORKSHOP?- The interactive process of this workshop will allow the individual to develop on an emotional, cognitive and social level.- An assessment of the person’s reaction to the selected literature will clarify their psychological health and well-being.- Participants will develop their possibility and potential through reading and responding to classic and contemporary poems.- Participants will cultivate primary skills in the writing of original poems.- Every individual at this workshop will experience the healing power of poetry and poetry therapy.WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?The workshop is directed at people of any demographic but will be particularly beneficial for:-Women who have survived abuse and violence-Males and females who have an interest in classic and contemporary poetry or are students, educators or therapists will be enriched by this workshop as it provides an extension to the rendition and appreciation of poetry through the scope for therapy. -Participants from the age of sixteen and above are the appropriate age group.